How to Teach a Child with Autism About Personal Space

One of the most common social difficulties children with autism have is understanding personal space. They often stand too close to others and don't realize they're making the other person uncomfortable.

In this brief video clip, Tara Delaney, MS, OTR/L, describes her easy-to-use method that helps children with autism understand and apply the concept of "personal space," which in turn helps them adapt more easily into social situations.

Sunday, December 11, 2016 2:15:34 PM | posted by Michelle Gatto

Monday, December 12, 2016 7:23:38 AM | posted by Jody Tyler

I have been working with people with autism for about 15 years. This is the first time that I have heard about this approach to teaching personal space. This makes a lot of sense in terms of allowing the opportunity to experience the feeling of someone in their personal space. I think that this will be a very helpful technique to share with staff who work with folks with autism for whom this is an issue. Thank you for the information.